Centripetal Forces

AJ Durham
Alina Mitchell
Craig Block
Austin Deavers

Introduction

The purpose of this lab was to measure the effects of varying weight and radius on the
centripetal force of the apparatus we were using. We hypothesized that if we increase the mass of the
two sides of the spinning apparatus, then the centripetal force would be greater. We also hypothesized
that decreasing the radius, or putting the two weights closer together would decrease the centripetal
force acting on them. The equation we used for this lab was Fc = mrw(omega) The equipment we used
in this experiment was:
1. Centripetal Force Apparatus
2. Disk Weights
3. Datastudio

Procedure
The first step our group took was to set up the force sensor so that the string between it and the
spinning arm was taut so that the force reading would be accurate. Then we added weight to both sides
so that they were both at .04kg. Using 5 volts on the power supply, and having a radius of 80mm, we
let the arm swing and recorded the data. For the first part of this experiment, we added weight in .05kg
increments and kept the voltage and radius constant until we reached .06kg.

Table for Part 1.

Mass @ .04 kg

Mass @ .045 kg

Mass @ .05 kg

Mass @ .055 kg

Mass @ .06 kg

2.77N

3.17N

3.55N

3.84N

3.89N

For the next part of the experiment, we observed what the effects would be if we kept the mass and
voltage the same but had a variable radius. For this part, we had the voltage stay at 5 volts and kept the
mass at .04 kg.

Table for Part 2

r@100mm

r@90mm

r@80mm

r@70mm

r@60mm

r@50mm

3.82N

2.85N

2.77 N

2.53 N

2.15 N

1.69 N

Conclusion
We concluded that as the mass on each end of the swinging arm increases, the centripetal force
acting on them increases. Also, the radius, or distance between the two weights, decreases the amount
of centripetal force. If we plot force against mass for the first part of the experiment:

The
slope
of the
linear
trend
line is
58.2.
This
means
that
for every 1 kg (to both sides) we add to the swinging arm, the force would be expected to increase by
58.2 N, plus about .5N.
Also, given that Fc = mrw (where w is omega, or angular velocity), we can see that as mass, radius, or
angular velocity increase, the centripetal force would also increase, as long as everything else does not
decrease.

Honors Questions
HQ A: Towards the middle of the circle that the arms are swinging around.
HQ B: Centrifugal force is the result of inertia acting on a body following a curved path. If the body is

moving fast enough, there will be a lot of resistance to moving in a curve, as the tendency is to keep
moving in a straight line. Centripetal force is the force that counteracts the centrifugal force. We know
that if we swing an object on a rope around in a circle, it does not fly off in a straight line, it rather
follows the circular path. This is because there is a centripetal force acting on the object, and this force
is applied by the tension on the rope. Centrifugal force is NOT a real force, as it is just a manifestation
of the physical phenomena inertia. However, centripetal force IS a real force, as it is applied by some
object.
HQ C: If a spacecraft were spinning fast enough, and have enough mass, the resulting centripetal force
could possibly keep objects attracted to the center of rotation. However, problems arise as the feelings
of artificial gravitation would have varying magnitude depending on how close you are the the center
or outside of the rotation.